North Pointe - Issue 14 - April 18, 2018

ON CAMPUS PAGE 4

Drama Club holds auditions for its upcoming One Acts, to be performanced on May 30.

MARIAH LOPER & EMILY WIDGREN

NORTH

GROSSE POINTE NORTH HIGH SCHOOL

POINTE NORTHPOINTENOW.ORG

SINCE 1968

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Skipping seniors miss out on prom and graduation

UPCOMING

EVENTS

INTERACT CLUB MEETING Saturday, April 19 from 8 to 9 a.m. in the cafeteria

By Michael Hartt & Emily Widgren PAGE EDITORS

ELECTIONS Monday, April 23 and 30 outside the union

INSIDE

"I'M CALLING US OUT ON OUR

SILENCE, BECAUSE OUR

FALSE

CLAIMS

OF

BULLY-FREE ENVIORMENTS

WILL REMAIN A

LIE

UNLESS WE

LEARN TO SPEAK." PAGE 3

"THEY

KNEW WHAT I "GET

WAS INFORMED

CAPABLE

AND MAKE OF BEFORE YOUR VOICE IHEARD. FOUND WEI IT IN ME AND CANNOT COULDN'T AFFORD THANK TOTHEM LOSE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DIEDRA HARRIS-THOMAS

'Be a Friend' scholarship honors former North student

By Zoe Graves & Hannah Zalewski MANAGING EDITOR & PAGE EDITOR As June comes closer, the one-year anniversary of the death of former North student, Corey Harris-Thomas approaches. Harris-Thomas was shot and killed last year while attempting to sell a pair of Nike Air Jordans. A month after his death, his mother, Diedra Harris-Thomas, started a foundation in his name with the intent of helping other boys in Corey’s age range stay safe.

The mission statement of the foundation is to “educate, assist, council and mentor at-risk males ages 15- 23: to deter and prevent gun violence, psychological instability and self-destructive behavior through the development and use of hands-on outreach programs.”

Currently, the foundation has a scholarship essay contest open to seniors at Loyola High School, Martin Luther King High School and North. The idea of the “Be A Friend” essay stems from parts of Corey’s own character. According to his mother, Corey was a friend to everybody, but he lacked a friendly voice to talk him out of making a decision that cost him his life.

“What's happening is people aren't being a friend to each other and saying, ‘hey, don't do this,’ and it's that warning of, ‘hey, don't do this, this is not what you should do.

You shouldn’t go here it’s not safe,’ and carrying it out,” Diedra said.

“He was that type of person, but he didn't have a person like that for him on that day. So this scholarship is meant to to recognize a student

or students … who have been in a situation and have made an impact on someone else’s life by saying, ‘hey, this person needs help,’ and getting them the help or stopping something from happening.”

The scholarship contest is easy to enter. The only requirements are being a senior attending one of the three aforementioned schools and having a plan to attend a college or trade school.

“

We just want to give kids a second chance because he didn't get a second chance.

“

HALF DAY Thursday, April 26 from 8 to 10:55 a.m.

Jaylin Ford COUSIN OF COREY HARRIS-THOMAS

Students interested must submit a one to three page paper on what being a friend means to them. It should include an example of a detailed situation where they have made a positive impact on one of their peers, as well as how they plan to continue these habits as an adult after graduation.

There are three different levels of the award, and each award will be given to a student from each school.

The first place winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship, second place will receive $500 and third place will receive $250.

English teacher Charles Crimando said the scholarship is a good opportunity for students, and is glad the importance of friendship is being emphasized.

“I think that it’s excellent that we’re encouraging people to start to think about what it means to be a friend and to reach out to other students.

I think that’s often the thing — a saving grace — for a lot of people,” Crimando said. “I just hope that we get a ton of submissions for this. I think everybody knows what it means in their own way to be a friend, so I think it would be really interesting to hear a lot of perspectives on what that means to people.”

Jaylin Ford, a cousin of Corey, believes the scholarship is meant to inspire people to live with respect and become the friend others would want to have in the world. He believes that anyone who is interested should apply for the scholarship.

Diedra routinely goes to churches to share Corey’s story and urge listeners to be more friendly to one another. Along with the scholarship, the foundation has held fundraisers and memorial events for Corey.

Although Ford has not personally worked with the foundation, he believes that the work his aunt does is worthwhile and honors his late cousin.

Both Ford and Diedra hope that the scholarship will work to inspire and evoke change in students who otherwise would have lost control of their lives for many years to come.

“We just want to give kids a second chance,” Ford said, “because (Corey) didn’t get a second chance.”

September Corey begins his fresh-

June

man year at Grosse Pointe North

2014

PAGE 5

@thenorthpointe www.northpointenow.org

Due date for scholarship submission

Corey passes away

2015

THEM." ” ENOUGH. PAGE 7

May 1

2017 HANNAH ZALEWSKI

2016 2015-16

July

Corey transfers

Corey’s mother,

to King High

School during his sophomore year

VOLUME 50 | ISSUE 14

News Briefs

1 2

Diedra, starts a

When senior Elleanna Casterline heard about a new attendance policy being enforced after spring break — that can potentially revoke senior events — she was upset, believing there had to be a better solution to combat decreasing attendance at the end of the year.

“It's just negatively affecting the whole senior class’ last couple months together,” Casterline said.

Before break, North administration sent a letter to seniors with a high amount of missed classes stating privileges such as prom and graduation have been revoked. They will not be reinstated unless the student in question has excellent attendance until the end of the year.

Principle Kate Murray said she was noticing some seniors were not adhering to the old attendance policy and were not deterred by old consequences in place or the fact they might lose credits.

“We wanted to remind (the students) that things like prom and actually participating in the graduation ceremony are privileges, and privileges can be revoked if you have not upheld the policies,” Murray said.

Casterline has many friends who received the letter and she is afraid they may not be able to participate in these memorable events with her.

“If these punishments do carry through, some of my close friends won't be able to go to prom, walk at graduation and whatnot,” Casterline said.

“Those are things that we look forward to and we have all worked hard towards since freshman year.”

Excessive absences have the potential for more consequences than not being able to attend senior events. In a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cr uz, lower class attendance was associated with lower midterm and final exam scores in college students.

Casterline disagrees with the study. She sa id it is f ine if students m iss some classes, just as long as they a re doing the work.

“Students who get A's, but just don't go (to class) are still performing (well) in their classes, they're just not going,” Casterline said. “I don't think that they should be punished because they are performing to a level that the school would consider satisfactory.”

Junior Grant Sachs agrees with Casterline and says if students are achieving passing grades, they should not be punished for skipping some classes.

“I do think that as you get older, you get more responsibilities.

But, you also get more leniency in the world,” Sachs said. “They know that they've already gotten into college and they're worked hard for 12 years of their life, especially the last three.”

Both Sachs and Casterline believe there are better ways to handle the situation than taking away senior events.

foundation in his name

Editorial On Campus

3 4

Life Reviews

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

5 6

In-Depth Sports

7 8

NEWS

2 – Wednesday, April. 18, 2018 – North Pointe

IN BRIEF

Attendance Policy

Band and Orchestra compete in Toronto

“If I was (the) administration, I would first communicate with the students instead of implementing harsh penalties,” Casterline said. “There would be a better result because the punishment would be more effective this way.”

Unlike Casterline, Sachs believes students should have to do something as punishment, but not as harsh as taking away prom.

“I think maybe writing an essay or having them fulfill some project or some work, or being put on the committee to set up prom. Something that isn't just a pointless punishment,” Sachs said. “Once these students already have prom taken away, they aren't going to care anymore and they will stop showing up. It's such a drastic (punishment), but it's so temporary that it seems

On April 20-21, North’s band and orchestra will be performing in the Festivals of Music, a national competition, at the Toronto Center for the Arts. Aside from Toronto, band and orchestra will be staying in Niagara Falls.

The group will be sightseeing and exploring downtown Toronto and Niagara, in places such as Ripley’s Aquarium and Clifton Hill. However, band and orchestra will be focusing on their performance in the Toronto Center for the Arts. David Cleveland, the head of instrumental music, believes that there is a lot of work to be done beforehand to make sure that the performance is beyond expectation.

During their performances, each group will be evaluated by professional musicians and professors. They will be judged on categories such as tone quality, note accuracy and rhythm. Points given from each judge will determine their ranking on a scale from fair to superior.

In preparation for the competition, Cleveland has been holding many rehearsals outside of class, similar to what they did for the Orchestra Hall performance. Cleveland’s expectations for his students remain to be high.

Students will be performing the same pieces played at Orchestra Hall, such as “Highland Legend” and “Quiet City.”

“They're not prepared. I was pretty happy with their performance there (Orchestra Hall) but we've got to kick it up a few notches for the judges,” Cleveland said. “We’re gonna be working very diligently this week and next week to put the final touches on everything.”

Quiz Bowl qualifies for nationals

From buzzers to bonus rounds, Quizbowl team captain junior Ryan Jackson is thrilled by the team’s improvement.

“I feel that we’ve grown a huge deal since (my) freshman year,” Jackson said. “We’ve also grown closer as friends and all of our skills have greatly improved since the beginning.”

The Quizbowl team won their league undefeated, advancing to the national tournament in Atlanta, Georgia. The team also came in the top ten for the weekend tournaments.

“My favorite moment would have to be during the last game of our league. We really thought that we might have lost, and then, it came down to the lightning round questions, which are ten very quick questions that they ask in succession, and if you get all ten you get a bonus. (The category was) actors and my favorite actor came up, Leonardo DiCaprio. I ended up getting nine out of ten of them, all quick.”

The next weekend tournament is on April 21, and Jackson is aiming for the top three.

“I feel confident that we can really pull it off and make a stunning leap even if we don’t make it to the top of the next competition,” Jackson said. “We are still going to nationals, which is a great achievement because we don’t have a lot of teams that go to nationals.”

Jackson said other people see Quizbowl as a small and intimidating team, but there aren’t many qualifications needed to join. She hopes to expand the team by recruiting people who know a lot about one topic.

“I want to make people less afraid to join, and you don’t have to be really smart to join. You can just be anyone who really knows a lot about one topic.”

Student Association offers Scholarship

Deadlines for the Student Association Senior Scholarship are fast approaching, with the applications due at the end of April. All seniors are eligible to apply for the $500 scholarship. The $500 is intended to honor and reward a selected senior who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities in their years at North.

Junior Alex Emig is a member of the Student Association and said that the only requirement for the scholarship is to be a member of the senior class.

“They have to fill out a brief questionnaire, along with a letter of recommendation. And then our SA committee will choose finalists,” Emig said. “A panel of teachers, administration and students will interview the finalist and choose the recipient of the scholarship.”

Applications can be turned in to English teacher Jonathan Byrne in room B319.

By Cairington Stahl & Zoe Graves

Elite Driving School 586.778.4934

State of Michigan Approved and Certified for Classes & Road Tests ROAD TESTING given by ELITE DRIVING SCHOOL Private Lessons available for Teens and Adults *No Down Payment Required* Payment Plans available “A Driving Experience that’s Priceless” Visit our web page www.elitedrivingschool.org www.elitedrivingschoolscs.com

Learn to Drive New Segment I and II Classes Form Monthly Teens 14.8 to 18 years of age Pick Up and Drop Off available for Driving Six hours of ‘on-the-road’ driving 23804 Harper Ave., between 9 & 10 mile Rd., St. Clair Shores. MI 48080

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 kind of frivolous. Might as well do something that at least helps, somehow.”

Murray said that even though prom and graduation are large parts of senior year, the attendance policy applies to all students, since credits can be revoked for missing too many classes. She thinks the seniors will finish the year off strong with this new policy.

“I do not want to see any student miss an opportunity to attend the prom or participate in the graduation ceremony,” Murray said. “That is not what I want. I want all students to have that opportunity, so I hope they are all successful.”

Change in leadership for Tuesday Means Pizza part of TMP is that he can get as much pizza as he wants.

“It can be pretty fast. All you do is you pay $5 The basement gymnasium of the church up front and then get in the line to get pizza, and across the street has a new head honcho. Leslie then you come back and eat it and if you want Nelson, who has been running Tuesday Means more you can come back and get seconds,” Pizza for eight years, is stepping down this year Duffy said. “It usually only takes 10 or 15 minand handing leadership over to parent Chris- utes and then you leave and walk back.” tine Backos.

As a parent of former students, Nelson has Ever since 2001, TMP has been providing been in charge of organizing and running pizza out of First English Evangelical Lutheran TMP ever since her own son was in eighth Church every Tuesday for $5 to students during grade. both lunches. Freshman Colin Duffy goes mul“I no longer have anyone at North, and I tiple times a month, and said that his favorite absolutely love doing TMP. I adore it. I love seeing the kids,” Nelson said.

“I've met some great parents. It's been an absolute joy to do. I just felt like it's been eight years, and the further I get away from North the harder it is to know parents at North to get all the volunteers that are needed.”

After Nelson decided to step down, she said that it was hard to find someone to take over TMP. “The way I found Backos is that she was a new volunteer this year on one of my teams, and she ERICKSON GLAYZARD kept listening to my sob story. Every week I would THE TIME OF OUR LIVES | Juniors Jackson Hall and Hunter Levick at Tuesday Means Pizza in the First English Evangelical say ‘guys I need help, help me find somebody,’” Nelson said.

Lutheran Church.

By Katelynn Mulder SENIOR ASSISTANT EDITOR

“So luckily Backos is taking it over. We found one dad, he was my one call, he's going go get all our pop and our supplies, which is a kind of a headache — the pop is the worst but he's willing to do that. So I think we're going to be all right next year.”

Pastor Sean Motley, who has been at the church for two years, said that TMP is a way for students to get a break from North and simply enjoy pizza.

“One of the things we want students to know as well as that this is a good safe place they can come to not only to have pizza, but also for you know if they just simply need a place to talk to somebody. There's a lot of adults around who are happy to take time to speak with somebody or let them be silly and enjoy themselves having the pizza together at the tables,” Motley said.

“Everybody is welcome to come. You don’t need to be a Lutheran to come over and have pizza.”

Nelson said that while she is not expecting any major changes to the way TMP works, Backos is welcome to make any improvements or changes as she sees fit.

“I absolutely love Backos, we got to be really good friends this year. Because she has been on a team for a year, I think it is going to be a very easy transition. She knows what's going on. She knows how it works,” Nelson said. “I'm hoping for her that because her son is a freshman that she has a lot more connections at North than I have, with having kids that have left. So I hope she is able to bring in more volunteers, I would like to see this continue. I think it's a great program, I would hate to see it end.”

Gearheads qualify for Worlds

By Rory Angott PAGE EDITOR

When freshman Akhil Mankad found out that the Robotics team was going to states, he said that it was a very emotional experience for both him and the rest of the team.

The Gearheads competed and placed 59 out of 518 at the FIRST State Robotics Championship at Saginaw Valley State University on April 11-14. They qualified to do so at the regional competition at Belleville High School on March 22-24.

“I was really excited when we found out that we were going to the states competition and that we’d won the Chairman’s Award,” Mankad said. “I personally was in so much joy that I cried that day.”

According to Gearheads adviser Jason Wolfsen, the Chairman’s Award is the highest possible and most prestigious award a robotics team can win at the regional level. The team achieved this not only by building a successful robot, but by following a code of conduct that promoted teamwork and efficiency.

Wolfsen, now in his second year as adviser, said that the team worked diligently throughout the

six allotted weeks prior to the said. “What I got to see is how chosen to go to Worlds.” regional competition to create gracious professionalism was To be selected to compete an award-winning robot and, put to work at the competitions at the Worlds competition — because of that, made it to States. mostly because that is one of our which will be held at Cobo Hall The objective was to be able to core values.” in Detroit on April 25-28 — a participate in a game in which the According to Wolfsen, that team had to rank in the top two robot would compete to pick up cooperation makes him hopeful thirds of those that compete at cubes the size of milk crates. The for the future of the team. Before the States conference. robot must also have the ability to States, he expected the team to Win or lose at Worlds, place them in certain areas. make it to the Worlds conference. Gearheads are excited to see what Junior Chris Fong said that Wolfsen said the team’s they can achieve at this Worlds in comparison to past years, the hopeful demeanor is what got conference and in the years that team has been working harder them to the position they’ve have yet to come. than ever.

“One of the main focuses made it to on April 14, when “For the past 15 years, Gearheads competed at the is that we want to try to bring the team has never won first States conference. in more girls and more women at a district competition and “I'm excited. I'm happy for the to be in part of STEM,” Fong so we won our first district kids. These kids worked really said. “We're hoping to make competition at the Bellville hard,” Wolfsen said. “We’re modifications to the robot so that District,” Fong said. “This was hoping that we do well enough it can be on the same level as some our second competition after that we will be one of the teams of the best teams in the world.”

Centerline and that was a huge a c compl ish ment for us.”

Mankad said that though the team did face some setbacks, they worked through them efficiently and were able meet all of their goals.

“We worked as a team and there weren't a lot of GPSCHOOLS.ORG arguments, even SWEET, SWEET VICTORY | The entire Gearheads team at the FIRST State Robotics when we had Championship at Saginaw Valley State University. They ranked 59 out of 518, and setbacks,” Mankad will be going to compete at the Worlds competition at Cobo Hall on April 25-28.

Scott A. Kettler (313) 884-0515 (313) 886-7276 Fax nuapperarance@comcast.com Licenses and insurced

Fertilizing/Aeration Weed Control Snow Plowing Sodding/Seeding Retaining Walls Brick Paving Ground Maintenance

Landscape Design and Installation

NU APPEARANCE Landscaping

LEARN 33 SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE, FUN AND RESEARCHED BASED TOOLS TO COMBAT STRESS, ANXIET Y, DEPRESSION AND IMPROVE OVERALL HAPPINESS! PERFECT FOR TEENS, YOUNG ADULTS, AND PARENTS OF TEENS. PRIVATE CLASSES, GROUPS OF ANY SIZE, AND FAMILIES!

CALL MANDY BUSH FOR MORE INFORMATION 313-655-2072 OR MANDY@SITWELLBEWELL.COM

"IT'S THE BEST TRAINING I'VE EVER HAD!" DEAN CHANDLER, U OF D JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL ~

EDITORIAL

NORTH

POINTE

“Grosse Pointe Public School administrators and teachers are responsible for encouraging and ensuring freedom of expression and freedom of the press for all students, regardless of whether the ideas expressed may be considered unpopular, critical, controversial, tasteless or offensive.”

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY Syeda Rizvi EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sofia Ketels WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Zoe Graves MANAGING EDITOR

Amelia Nowicki WEB EDITOR

Arzoo Chhaya PAGE EDITOR

Mariah Loper PAGE EDITOR

Michael Hartt PAGE EDITOR

Rory Angott PAGE EDITOR

Sarah Shanley STAFF REPORTER Charles Bernas STAFF REPORTER

Alex Harring SENIOR ASSISTANT EDITOR

Hannah Zalewski PAGE EDITOR Lindsey Ramsdell SENIOR ASSISTANT EDITOR

Abbey Cadieux SENIOR ASSISTANT EDITOR

Our editorial represents the opinion of the North Pointe Editorial Board consisting of the editors above. Members who have a conflict of interest with an editorial topic do not partake in that meeting or vote.

SO

P

E HI

KE

HR

IG

North Pointe – Wednesday, April 18, 2018 – 3

Mental health misconceptions “You’re not depressed. It’s just MY TURN ELIZABETH hormones.”

“Why are you so BALLINGER sad? There’s nothing to be upset about.”

“Just... get over it.”

How many kids have heard their parents saying things like this? How many have had to hide how they actually feel just so they don’t worry their parents? Or can’t seek treatment due to adults believing kids are lying just for attention?

Of course, there are some of us who really do just have hormones and are fine otherwise. But for a lot of us, these behaviors indicate something more than just “being a teenager.”

My generation, Gen Z, has grown up post 9/11, which means we have never known a time without the possibility of a terrorist attack or a school shooting. These things make us, as a nation, paranoid and anxious. Along with possible threats to our country and lives, we have the stress of school, relationships — romantic or platonic — and family life, among other things.

Our generation has a habit of being cynical. We have a dark sense of humor. It’s become our way of coping with problems. We say things to our friends in the hallways and they respond with a laugh and a chorus of “Same!” or “Mood!”, but out in public, the same sentence would probably cause strangers to come up to us and ask if we were okay.

According to Mental Health America, as many as one in five teenagers suffer from clinical depression. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America states that anxiety disorders, like generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, affect 25.1% of children between 13 and 18 years old while being the most common disorders in the United States. That means one out of four people you know could have a form of anxiety.

And yet, a 2015 report from the Child Mind Institute found only about 20 percent of teen-

agers with a diagnosable anxiety disorder get treatment, while according to the Center for Discovery, only 30 percent of depressed teens are being treated. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24.

These statistics aren’t right. This shouldn’t be happening.

Many times, teens who have depression or anxiety disorders are told that it’s “just being a teenager,” and that they are okay, just lazy or irritable. This causes a lot of these disorders to go untreated, often making them worse because the person affected believes they don’t have a reason to feel the way they do.

A big part of the reason that the symptoms are mistaken for something else is because of a lack of education and understanding in the general public about mental health problems. Depression and anxiety are romanticized in popular culture. Early signs of disorders are brushed off as just typical teen behaviors. Feelings are suppressed for fear of being outcast from friends and family.

We need help. We need to be able to not feel okay, express how we’re feeling, and get help for it without having to worry about getting the approval of family. We shouldn’t have to suppress it and say, “Oh I’m fine, I’m just tired,” or have to make excuses for why we don’t want to go and hang out with friends.

The stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health are detrimental to those affected.

Treatment needs to be made available. Information needs to be more accessible for everyone, whether they are affected by any of these things or not. Early symptoms need to be investigated.

We, as a community, need to realize that asking for help doesn’t make anyone weak — if we can eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health disorders then maybe we can be one step closer to living in the ideal America.

Use Your Voice Now, more than ever, North students have been raising their voices about issues ranging from local to national levels.

Students from every class have recently done this in the form of marches and walkouts organized by and for the entire student body.

In the wake of our own walkout, district administration came under heavy criticism from students for their micromanagement of the event, though they worked with Student Association members throughout the planning process and execution. Many students felt that although Student Association played a role in the organization, their cries for meaningful action — one of the major reasons students planned on walking out for — were silenced in an attempt to remain neutral and unbiased.

This misrepresentation of what the student body wanted out of the walkout can potentially be a sign of a larger disconnect between the student leaders and their classmates. When a majority of students felt that the walkout was mishandled for one reason or another, it raises the question of whether or not student government is as diverse in opinion as the student body it represents.

During class elections, it is especially important to remember that Student Association is more than a mere committee of the most popular kids in every class. This stereotype surrounding Student Association and the misconception that the members of our student government are unimportant has caused a large amount of apathy among students during elections.

Students believe that they shouldn’t bother running for a position simply because somebody with more social capital among his or her peers might come out on top, and the same applies for voting in these elections.

When students assume that the elections are always forgone conclusions, they are far less likely to voice their real opinions, even when voting is anonymous. However, the stereotype that Student Association is a popularity contest is only as real as students allow it to be.

The higher voter turnout is at the polls, the more likely it will be that the members elected to Student Association will be an accurate representation of North’s diverse student body.

By taking the time to learn about each candidate and the impact they plan to have on student government and their class as a whole, we as students can make an informed decision about whom we would vote for as the most qualified person to take on the many responsibilities of a class officer. This allows students to vote for the person whom they feel most represents their beliefs and would make decisions based upon those shared values. On pages six and seven, each candidate for student council has submitted answers to a few short questions.

For students who plan on running for an elected position, spreading the word about their candidacy and what their positions on certain issues are is the most important part of leading a more successful campaign. Typically, students not affiliated with Student Association don’t know the names of anybody running for a student government position until they see them on the ballot.

By informing their classmates about their candidacy and what they plan to do for their class, students running for an elected position would be able to show a little more transparency than has come to be expected in Student Association elections. It will attract other students to vote for them outside of their own social circle, while drawing more support and attention to all the work Student Association does behind the scenes.

The representatives and officers work together in making important decisions about prom, homecoming and other major class events. In cases like the walkout, they are the students responsible on our behalf to facilitate change. By voting in the Student Association election, students are given the chance to speak up and elect their classmates who they believe will create the change and environment they want to see at North.

“I used to go to it when I had early lunch, so it wouldn’t affect me. But a lot of my friends, that’s how they get their lunch because they don’t bring one.”

“I personally have never gone, but I feel like it’s a good way for the community to get together, so I think they should work harder to keep that going.”

“I would feel bad for the freshmen and sophomores who wouldn’t have the same opportunity that I did.”

Allie Clune

Presley Powder

Alex Emig

FRESHMAN

JUNIOR

SOPHOMORE

EDITOR'S DESK AMELIA NOWICKI

Zero tolerance or zero effort?

Are the people with the loudest voices the ones with the strongest message, or are the reserved the ones with a message to deliver?

When a student is being relentlessly tortured at a place that is supposed to be a safe learning environment, how are they supposed to act? Are they supposed to turn the other cheek and respect those who harass them during class? Newsflash: things are different in schools now.

Giving bullies no reaction fuels their need to feel validated because they don’t sense an immediate threat from their victim or any impending consequences.

However, it’s not just the students at fault here. It’s the negligence of some teachers, the feigned ignorance of some parents and the lack of student involvement that allows bullying to continue.

Here at North, the zerotolerance policy is executed well. I understand that we’re older and more aware of our surroundings, and we as teenagers can sense when somebody is acting inappropriately.

Although most schools promise to eradicate bullies, tons of sneaky kids are being let off the hook left and right.

I witnessed kids standing up for themselves only to be sent to the office — all because they wanted to put an end to something that everybody knows isn’t right.

Promising justice to every victim of bullying in schools is the most unrealistic idea any district can have.

Bullying cannot be put to an end if all we do is refuse to step up.

Most teachers I’ve had stopped a problem when it happened, but solving something momentarily doesn’t mean it will disappear forever. As soon as they turn their back, the harassment starts right back up again.

After the bell rings, kids get right back to picking on someone else.

Unfortunately, dealing with bullies is part of the teaching experience, no matter what school you go to.

Refer students to the office or call the bully’s parents if the problem persists, but don’t let the situation evolve.

Parents need to understand and accept that their child can be a part of the problem. Some stubborn parents need to realize they aren’t standing up for their kid — they are allowing their child’s inappropriate behavior to continue as well as endangering another child’s wellbeing.

As a fellow student, you need to step up. You and I both know that bullying happens every day, but how many kids do you see breaking up fights or sticking up for their peers? How many times have you seen something but said nothing because you’re afraid to get involved?

The only way we can make a difference is if we really start to stick up for each other. I know we all see it. I do too. We need to be more involved with the problem rather than saying “speak up” and moving on.

Today, I make a vow. I vow to speak up whenever I encounter a bullying scenario, and I promise that I will stick up for those who are being bullied. Because if all of us make the same vow, and really stick to it, bullying would ideally become a rarity.

Students, parents and staff alike, I need you to help each other out. This must stop, and it needs to stop soon. I’m calling us out on our silence, because our false claims of bully-free environments will remain a lie unless we start to speak.

YOUR TURN: How would you feel if the school ended Tuesday Means Pizza? By Sarah Shanley

“I’ll be a little upset.

It would kind of suck because a lot of my friends go, and it's an easy, affordable lunch for us.”

Max Payton SENIOR

NORTH

“I think it's a good deal if they found a way to make that work. It would please a lot of the students. If it were to go away, I think there’d be a lot of sad students.”

“I think it’s really important for the students to go ahead and enjoy something that we all love, and pizza is great dish. I love it.”

Mr. Tucker

Ali Bey

SPANISH TEACHER

SECURITY GUARD

POINTE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Syeda Rizvi WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Sofia Ketels MANAGING EDITOR: Zoe Graves WEB EDITORS: Brooklyn McWhorter, Amelia Nowicki SENIOR ASSISTANT EDITORS: Amber Braker Caitlin Bush, Abbey Cadieux, Alex Harring, Erin Kaled, Allison Lackner, Katelynn Mulder, Sonny Mulpuri, Anna Post, Lindsey Ramsdell, Michal Ruprecht, Billy Steigelman, Katie Thomas PAGE EDITORS: Rory Angott, Nick Asimakis, Maggie Carron, Arzoo Chhaya, Michael Hartt, Mariah Loper, Abi Murray Adam Schwartz, Emily Widgren, Hannah Zalewski BUSINESS MANAGER: Jordan Craighead DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Elizabeth Ballinger STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Marina Gabriel, Jillian LaPere, Rachel Malinowski, Alyssa McLarty, Ashley Sexton, Nya Tatum, Kennedy Williams STAFF REPORTERS: Sophie Kehrig, Taylor Mitchell, Sarah Shanley, Cairington Stahl, Benjamin Uram INTERNS: Amelia Abraham, JoAnna Alexander, Charlie Bernas, Aundrianna Boles, Savannah

Burguron, Nadia Fama, Colin Haroutunian, Donald Hightower, Raven Jason, Cheryl Knorp, Emily McCloskey, Preston Rossignol, Katlyn Rood-Ballard, Amelia Schock, Sydney Semack, Jonathan Smith, Cordy Wettstein The North Pointe is edited and produced by journalism students at Grosse Pointe North High School and is published every two weeks.

It is in practice a designated public forum without prior review.

Comments should be directed to the student editors, who make all final content decisions. The views expressed are solely those of the authors or the student editorial board and do not reflect the opinions of the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Readers are encouraged to write letters to the editor. Letters are edited only for length and are screened for libel and obscenity.

We are a member of the Michigan Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, National Scholastic Press Association and Student Press Law Center. We subscribe to McClatchy-Tribune Information Services and iStockphoto.com.

One copy is available free to all community members. Additional copies may be purchased.

Our editorial policy and advertising rates are available online. The North Pointe is printed on 100 percent recycled paper.

CONTACT US 707 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods MI, 48236 Email: gpnnorthpointe@gmail.com Phone: 313.432.3248 Twitter: @TheNorthPointe Website: northpointenow.org

ON CAMPUS

4 – Wednesday, April 18, 2018 -North Pointe

Drama club holds One Act auditions Students audition for student-written short plays that will be performed at the end of May.

FACES IN THE CROWD EJ Smith

By Emily Widgren and Mariah Loper PAGE EDITORS

EMILY WIDGREN

HOLD ON TIGHT | Sophomores Ansley Carol, Mia Mattaliano and Makenna Cherry audition for senior Caitlin Mayrenik's One Act, "Wildflowers", which is about a family road trip. The One Acts are short plays, each about 20 minutes, that are directed by seniors. "Honestly, I usually get really nervous during auditions, but this auditions was really chill. I wasn't nervous instead of going in front of people and doing lines and stuff, but it wasn't really nerve wracking at all. I actually really liked it," Mattaliano said.

Sophomore EJ Smith has high goals for his football career. Next season, he aims to score 15 touchdowns, with the hopes of eventually playing in college.

Smith said that he always knew he was athletic and enjoyed playing sports. It was his friends who got him into playing pick-up games outside of school.

After his friends started playing football for North, Smith said that he decided to try it out as well.

Although Smith has only been playing for two years, he says football came very easy to him and is now one of his favorite sports.

Smith said he has a lot of fun whenever his friends get together for pick-up games outside of practice.

“It’s fun whenever my friends get together for a quick pick-up game, although it can get competitive,” Smith said. “It's always a good time and we don't take it too seriously. We just have fun. We always goof around and make the most of the game.”

Amanda Nguyen

MARIAH LOPER

GETTING READY | Sophomores Theo Goolsby and Melissa Haubert prepare for their audiition for a One Act. "This year there were a lot of opportunities and we had a lot more One Acts that you could be in, so there were a lot of parts you could audition for," Haubert said.

EMILY WIDGREN

LOOKING UP | Senior Becky Lubera helps a student practice for an audition.

Lubera wrote and is directing wih senior Amber Braker. Kitty Clark, another director, said that writing a One Act will aid her in the future. "Directing, I kind of know what works for me when someone says, 'Oh, can you do it like this?'" Clark said.

For sophomore Amanda Nguyen, dance has played a significant role in her life.

She has been dancing for over four years and has been with a hip hop group called IndepenDance for three of those years. Her bond with IndepenDance has been unbreakable ever since.

“When we first started, we all got along really well. We've all known each other before we started the group, so we're all very close,” Nguyen said.

“Even when we add new people it's not weird and everyone just gets along. We're honestly like a big family.”

Although practices can be long and exhausting for Nguyen, she said it's worth it as soon as she hears the crowd cheering after they perform.

According to Nguyen, the larger audiences can be nerve-wracking, but as soon as she starts dancing, it doesn’t faze her.

“As soon as the music begins I just have fun,” Nguyen said. “I love hearing how the audience responds after we're done performing. The cheering always makes it worth all the time and energy we put into practices.”

Allie Clune

EMILY WIDGREN

DECISIONS, DECESIONS | Directors Kitty Clark and Alex Harring decide who to have read for their show. Their One Act, "Blind Date", was written by Clark. "(One Acts are) really kind of a pain to find and I realized that I eventually wanted to write scripts for movies, so I thought this would be a cool little beginner," Clark said.

MARIAH LOPER

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT | Freshman Ceci Doerr reads through her lines with her partner before her read with the directors. Like Matalliano, Doerr is auditioning for One Acts for the first time. "I actually really liked it and even though it was a cold read, we knew what the characters were all about," Mattaliano said.

FIVE MINUTES WITH

Science teacher Sydney Stevens

By Donald Hightower STAFF REPORTER

SYDNEY STEVENS

RUN LIKE THE WIND | Science teacher Sydney Stevens and her husband after completing the Hockeytown 5k last September. Stevens tries to run everyday to stay in good physical and mental shape. "I feel very mentally strong when I can run five miles when I don’t feel like it. It makes me feel good physically and helps my mental health which I really appreciate. It really helps me stay mentally healthy and it reduces anxiety," Stevens said.

Before committing to the classroom, science teacher Sydney Stevens experimented with different professions and earned multiple degrees. Initially in college she studied science — particularly ecology and evolutionary biology — but Stevens got a masters degree in landscape architecture a few years later.

"I tried (landscape architecture) but while I was doing that masters, I taught some classes to undergraduate students as an assistant,” Stevens said. “I realized while I was doing that master's degree that my favorite part about it was teaching the undergraduate students. So after I graduated, I started trying to be a landscape architect for a while, but I kept thinking about my experience with those students in the classroom.”

In her personal life, Stevens tries to run almost everyday. She always strives to push herself to do a little bit more, and said the feeling of running that extra mile is unbeatable. Recently, Stevens has been working on training her 10 month old puppy to go on runs with her. “(It can be) kind of exhausting, mentally and physically, but I keep running because I like

to push myself,” Stevens said. “With running, everytime you push yourself harder, every time you run an extra mile, it feels really good. It’s a reward. I can prove to myself that I have the certain level of power, for lack of a better word.

This fitness level or this mental toughness … I feel very mentally strong when I can run five miles.”

Besides running, traveling is another one of Stevens hobbies. As a Michigan native, she enjoys seeing different spots and attractions around the state.

“I really like the Eastern Market. I know Eastern Market has been there for a long time, but everytime I go back there’s a new place to check out. It’s really exciting to check out some of the restaurants that are around and just walking through the market,” she said.

Eventually, Stevens would like to pack a bag and travel around Europe with her husband.

“I love the unknown, so traveling around Europe to cities I've never been to, and eating cheese along the way with my husband — that will be wonderful,” Stevens said. “Not having a plan, just getting a backpack full of clothes and having an open agenda for a month wandering around in new place, trying food all over the world.”

Since she was a young girl, freshman Allie Clune has been interested in traveling and seeing new places.

Clune developed her interest when she took her first major trip to the Bahamas. According to her, it was seeing and experiencing everything in the Bahamas that sparked her passion for traveling. Ever since then, she has an interest in traveling and hopes to continue exploring new places.

“I've always been really interested in seeing new places,” Clune said. “It was so cool seeing all the sights and the beaches.”

Clune said that she definitely plans on exploring a lot more when she's older.

“Although I haven't been to many places yet, I plan on traveling to a lot of places when I get older,” Clune said.

“I've always wanted to go to New York, so it's definitely a big goal of mine to eventually take a trip there."

By Maggie Carron

FAVORITE SHOW My favorite TV show is "Westworld." The production quality is very high and the plot line was really well crafted and abnormal.

It’s about robots that are in the Wild West and it’s nothing I’ve encountered before.

I’ve seen so many crime shows, I’ve seen so many doctor shows — I’m sick of those.

So this one is really unique.

BOOKS OR MOVIES In theory I like books but it’s harder to take the time to sit down and read a book so I end up watching a lot of TV shows. I think TV shows are more exciting. I binge watch everything and we have Netflix, Amazon and Hulu. In theory, in summer, I like to read books.

FAVORITE FOOD Cheese. I love cheese. The stinkier the better, but you can never go wrong with cheese.

PETS I am a crazy animal cat/dog person. I have two cats, Pavel and Peggy, named off of the ex-Red Wings player Pavel Datsyuk, and then I have a 10 month old Dalmatian puppy.

So she's cute, but she's a handful.

LIFE

North Pointe – Wednesday, April. 18,2018 – 5

Senior Eva Ciaramitaro wins Unsung Hero Award

By Michal Ruprecht SENIOR ASSISTANT EDITOR

P H OT URT O CO C IA R F E VA E SY O A M ITA RO

Senior Eva Ciaramitaro left her last Michigan Student Leadership Conference on March 26 with something to show for her past threeand-a-half years of student government. Ciaramitaro was awarded the Unsung Hero.

The conference is sponsored by the Michigan Association of Student Councils and the Michigan Association of Honor Societies. According to the MASC and MAHS websites, the Unsung Hero Award is given to students who have impacted their school environment, without having a formal position in student government. Ciaramitaro’s role in Student Association is the student activities coordinator, but she wasn’t elected to the position. She said that Student Association adviser Jonathan Byrne nominated her.

“After losing the class president election, I realized that it doesn’t matter what position you are or what title you have. What matters is the work you do and how well you do it,” Ciaramitaro said. “I won this award by not having an official position on council, but still doing the work that needs to be done, as well as a little extra for a finishing touch.”

Byrne nominated Ciaramitaro because he said he wanted to show students that you don’t have to have the title of an officer to make change happen. He said he was impressed with her leadership during the inaugural Charity Week.

“She was instrumental in making it the success it was, and she doesn’t often get credit for her hard work,” Byrne said. “Mrs. (Peggy) Bonbrisco and I sit down each year and pick a student who really exemplifies what we try to do in SA, but who doesn’t always get recognized for it.”

Even though Ciaramitaro didn’t receive any scholarship money from the award, she said the award is recognized by state councils and administration, which in her opinion is more valuable.

She said that her family, including her mom, Renee Ciaramitaro, have supported her a lot. Eva added that her friend and SA President Sydney Semack and teachers have also helped her grow as a leader.

“My friends and family were all really supportive. The best compliment I received during all of this was that I was deserving,” Eva said. “There have been a lot of motivators for me, but two especially have been Mr. Byrne and Mr. (Sean) McCarroll. Both teachers have always been the two people to push me, and truly change the way I looked at things. They knew what I was capable of before I found it in me and I couldn’t thank them enough.”

One of Eva’s latest accomplishments was organizing the school walkout on March 14. She said this experience helped her grow as a leader and win the award.

“It has made me a more confident leader,” Eva said. “There are risks I have taken, such as planning events like the walkout, that has

not pleased everyone, but has started a conversation or was working towards a change. That is a much bigger reward than any other.”

Renee agrees. She said Eva helps organize meaningful projects that start a conversation, like the walkout, even if some students don’t support the project.

“We’re very proud of her that she has devoted a great amount of time and energy into meaningful projects because I mentioned that she is very dedicated and she truly enjoys helping others. Once Eva has her mind set on something, she’s very determined to see it through,” Renee said. “She’s certain, she’s very determined to have a positive outcome.”

Eva will attend Central Michigan University next fall and she said she hopes to major in Educational Policy or Communications. She likes the collaborative environments of these fields. She added that she wants to continue to improve her community and inspire others to demonstrate the characteristics that this award values.

“This award means a lot to me because it really made me realize that you don’t have to have a title to be a leader, and it means a lot to be recognized by not only other student leaders and peers, but by teachers and administration,” Eva said. “In the future, I hope to make the same kind of difference wherever I end up. I don’t want people to know my name, but I want them to know a change is happening, and it doesn’t matter by who. I want to inspire other young leaders.”

Contribuing: Arzoo Chhaya, Erin Kaled & Halle Pepper PATRIOTISM & SCHOOL PRIDE | Ciaramitaro poses with Class of 2018 Vice President Michael Ciaravino during their senior spirit week. Ciaramitaro has enjoyed attending the Michigan Student Leadership Conference because it gives her ideas she can use at North during our own spirit events. “The weekend of our MASC/MAHS Student Conference, you do a realm of activities that help give you ideas to bring back to your school, as well as hear from guest speakers and student leaders, and what they have done to affect the community around them,” she said.

Students explore holistic remedies to treat pain Although many students are not aware of holistic healing, sophomore Jordyn Foulk rod has been visiting a chiropractor for three years to treat pain caused by her scoliosis, an increasingly common condition in youth where the spine curves sideways.

Holistic healing represents a more natural and active solution to problems commonly fixed with traditional medicine, look ing beyond the immediate solution to also try to fix the environmental causes of a problem. Holistic remedies can include meditation and spiritual counseling, acupuncture, diet changes and massage. This form of natural medicine aims to balance people not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

Foulk rod is treated holistically by her chiropractor, who cracks her back during sessions to alleviate pain, but also provides suggestions on how to improve her posture and r unning form to help prevent pain in the future.

Foulk rod recommends visiting a chiropractor for anyone who is skeptical about this holistic method to combat back pain.

“It can’t hur t you if it’s a professional and it’s definitely helped me,” Foulk rod said. “I didn’t have anything else to do.”

However, a type of holistic healing known as homeopathy has recently come under fire internationally. Homeopathy uses the philosophy of “like cures like,” meaning intak ing a small dosage of whatever causes a disease can also cure it. For example, small amounts of pollen or grass may be mixed into a pill to treat a hayfever allergy. In recent years, studies have repeatedly concluded that this method is either ineffectual or could even potentially cause ir reversible harm.

Sophomore Brianna Muawad

does not see the sense in this practice.

“I think that it will make them feel worse,” Muawad said. “Putting something like that into your body, that just doesn’t make sense.”

According to NPR, the Food and Dr ug Association decided to regulate homeopathic products the same way they would standard medical treatments.

Cur rently, there is little to no regulation on who can administer these remedies. While some holistic doctors have graduated from a four-year naturopathic

“

It can’t hurt you if it’s a professional and it’s definitely helped me. I didn’t have anything else to do.

“

By Abi Murray PAGE EDITOR

Jordan Foulkrod SOPHOMORE

school and obtained a license from the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, there is nothing to differentiate them from unlicensed naturopaths in the already controversial practice.

Holistic healing can take forms other than just seeing a chiropractor or being treated homeopathically.

Another common form of at-home holistic healing is aromatherapy — which employs the use of essential oils help with pain, nausea, bacterial infections and more. According to the National Library of Medicine, in a study done with a group of 103 cancer patients, there was noticeable decrease in anxiety and improvements in symptoms if they were massaged with Roman chamomile.

Junior Isabella Hicks has family that uses essential oils and keeps some in her house. She knows they can help with sk in problems and assist with mental wellness.

“If people think something like this works for them I don’t see the harm in using them,” Hicks said.

“I know they give a lot of people peace of mind and comfor t.”

Going forward, Foulkrod would be interested in exploring what accupuncture has to offer based on the relief she’s found in seeing a chiropractor.

In the past several years, accupuncture and cupping have become much more widely accepted in Western culture thanks to Olympians like Michael Phelps. At Rio’s 2016 Olympics, the gold medalist was seen with large red circles covering his back and shoulders which is a side effect of cupping.

Although accupuncture is traditionally designed to bend the f low of energy through the body, some scientific research published in the 2010 online edition of Nature Neuroscience determined that it inf luences an amino acid that becomes active in the sk in after an injury to help ease the pain. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health considers it to be a relatively safe solution for chronic pain.

Accupuncture is commonly followed by the method of cupping.

The two traditionally Chinese practices focus on balancing someone’s energy and focusing on centers of pain to help alleviate stress. Cupping can increase blood f low to the area of pain in dry cupping or draw out small amounts of blood to detoxify the area in wet cupping.

However, if using essential oils or stick ing fine point needles into your back is not appealing to you, there are many more holistic healing methods that avoid jumping to expensive medications or surgery.

If interested in exploring the world of holistic healing, students can talk to their doctor about what options would be most beneficial for their case.

MICHAEL HARTT

ELECTIONS

6 – Wednesday, April 18, 2018 - North Pointe

MY GOALS

WHY ME?

Max Driscoll PRESIDENT/ CLASS OF 2019 SENATOR

Class of 2019 Student Council member, GPN Student Association member, NHS, Charity Week Committee member, tutor, Youth Group Leadership Team member.

My goals surround an organized, efficient student government. I would like to create a space where everyone shares ideas and we debate to determine the best option for our school.

I am an outgoing, outspoken and organized person. Voting for me for S.A. President would be a clever decision as I am a driven and enthusiastic member of our school.

Rachel Sexton PRESIDENT/ CLASS OF 2019 SENATOR

EPLC School Representative, 6 years on Student Council, 2 years on Student Association, Allstates honors choir, 2 years in CounterPointe and a GPN varsity basketball player.

My goals are ultimately to unify us as a class and school. I will constantly be seeking new ideas from everyone who wants to make a positive impact towards the school and enjoy their experience here at GPN.

You should vote for me because I have an extremely large work ethic. I am dedicated and passionate in everything I do and I will work my hardest to accomplish the task at hand.

Alex Emig VICE PRESIDENT/ CLASS OF 2019 SENATOR

Current Student Council senator, Link Crew officer, NHS member, varsity soccer player, Top Soccer volunteer coach, Eastside FC soccer captain.

My main goal in student government is to be a productive and vocal contributor towards the projects at hand and an exemplary leader for my peers.

Throughout my past years as a student council member, I have proven my dedication towards the program and will continue to devote my time and effort if elected.

Owen Martinbianco VICE PRESIDENT/ CLASS OF 2019 SENATOR

I am involved in Knots, NHS and Link Crew.

My goal for Student Council is to make the school a better place and to do good things for my community.

People should vote for me because I am a hard worker and will do good things for Grosse Pointe North.

NHS member, Interact Club member, Student Council member, Student Association member, Staff Appreciation Committee member and Strong Boys member.

Some goals of mine are to assure maximum student participation in school related activities, unite the Class of 2019 as well as the whole school in general and to reinforce school spirit.

I have been a student council senator for the Class of 2019, as well as the Student Assocition for three years now. I am a very reliable individual that people can rely on.

Vote for me because I have the experience of being a To continue to bring I am in Link Crew, member of Student Council our class together and NHS, Student Council, and am open to all ideas. I raise money for our updance and youth group. will be committed to our coming senior events. class so that we get the most out of high school.

I am in Symphony Orchestra, been senator for my freshman and sophomore years at North and treasurer my junior year, in NHS, Freshman Assist mentor.

My goals for Student Council are to unify our class and raise enough money to have a prom our whole class would like to have.

I am in SADD, DECA and Willow. I play JV tennis and on Student Council.

Next year I'd like to unify our class and help raise money for charities and prom. If elected I'll do whatever I can to meet the goals of the Class of 2019.

I am in Link Crew, a tutor, SADD, cheer, track and field, dance, flag ministry and do volunteer work.

My goal is to be a new voice for GPN; increasing social occasions and involvement in school events. I want all students to feel successful and joyful everyday.

I am dedicated and I have experience already in my position.

I am also friends with a variety of people so I can get different perspectives.

I will do my absolute best to promote spirit, participation and unity within our school. I would be honored to receive your vote and serve the Class of 2019.

I play field hockey, am a member of DECA, Student Association and Student Council.

The past years that I have spent in Student Council have been very enjoyable. I want to run senior year because it makes me feel I'm having an impact.

You should vote for me because I'm a nice guy who can bring a new perspective into the Student Council.

I am a memebr of NHS, Link Crew and the CoSecretary of ChemClub, and over the weekends I volunteer to help the poor with my church youth group.

I want to have successful fundraisers that will raise enough money to let us do everything we plan on doing and even more.

I will work hard to make sure everyone's voice is heard and do as much as possible to make homecoming and prom the best they can be.

I enjoy running cross country and track, singing in choir, helping out in Link Crew, participating in NHS, being active in church and hanging out with friends.

I will try to make prom the best that it can be for the entire class and I hope to create positive activities in which all can participate.

I hope to be a positive role model for all to follow and I'm going to try my best to lead the seniors to a great year.

I am in Interact, Knots, varsity and club swim, lacrosse coach for the Neighborhood Club, 8th grade mentor and a volunteer for Gleaner's.

I really hope to make our last year the best experience for all the seniors and to help organzie prom and assure that all of our class is excited to attend.

I'm willing to put in the time and effort to reach out to our whole class and help develop next year's events so that everyone enjoys them.

I am a part of DECA, NHS and I also am on the varsity field hockey team for North. I am also currently a senator for my junior class.

My goals for student government is to get our class much more involved with fundraising for the school, as well as uniting the students.

People should vote for me because this will be my final year representing the Class of 2019 and, because of my experience, I know how we run things.

I am a part of KNOTS, Link Crew, NHS and Harbinger. I love volunteering at SOAR Detroit where we help elementary school kids work on their literacy skills.

I want to help make North a place where everybody feels like they are a part of something important and help create a greater sense of community and school pride.

My first priority will be to make our last year at North the best year of our high school. Make the school year memorable and exciting for all seniors!

Activities don't define a person, character does. I am very active at North and I have character. I am ready to work and persevere for the calls of 2019.

My goal is to make North a place full of opportunity and culture. I support new school events, activities, sports and clubs for all.

Vote for Garrett because of his approachable character. Most of all vote for Garrett because you know it's right.

I have been on symphony orchestra and Student Council for 3 years. I have been in Chem Club and Solo & Ensemble for 2 years as well as NHS and Link Crew for 1 year.

We need to fundraise to pay for prom so we can end high school with a bang. Also, I want to expand volunteering to better our reputation.

I believe that helping others is the utmost important thing and I have a lot of experience in Student Council. I love listening to others and bettering our community.

Polly Fitzgerald SENATOR

Voting for me is valuable because I realize that Grosse Pointe needs more opportunities for students to spend their time and I believe I can organized these through GPN.

Lexi Guarini SENATOR

My main goal is to rasie and manage fun in an effective manner so that more school-sponsored activities such as dances may commence our students.

I participate in and act as DECA president, rocketry captain, NHS member, lacrosse player, symphony band member and North Store manager.

I will fight for the things that are important to the students no matter how big or small they might be.

Stavros Hedglin SENATOR

People should vote for me because I am very hardworking, I've been dedicated to Student Council for two years and look forward to the opportunity to represent our class.

I would like to make a positive impact at North and most importantly listen to the wants and needs of our student body to try and make real change.

Will Hoffman SENATOR

My goals for Student Council are to make everyone feel involved and that they have a place and voice in our school.

I participate in vasity tennis, NHS, Student Council, French Club, manage the girls varsity tennis team and teach tennis to middle school players.

I participate in ChemClub, Rocketry Club and research at the U of D Mercy and am very adament about expanding my influence toward more students here at North.

Helen Michaelson SENATOR

I believe people should vote for me because I am determined, hard-working and compassionate. I will make sure to encourage the input of ideas from the student body.

WHY ME?

Erina Nazarko SENATOR

My goals for student government are to make sure we encourage culture and diversity so that all students feel that they are receiving equal representation.

I participate in many programs at North such as NHS, Interact Club and a diversity program. Lastly, I remain involved in my school in order to help make it a better environment.

MY GOALS

Ramsha Rizvi SENATOR

I'd love if you voted for me because I have experience as secretary from the past 3 years and would love to continue being a part of council for my senior year!

ABOUT ME

Garrett Schreck SENATOR

My goals for our upcoming senior year are to make sure we have a great homecoming and fundraise for prom to make sure it will be an elegant life.

CLASS OF 2019

Mollie Szczepanski SENATOR

I do a lot of things at North and outside of school. I play on the varsity lacrosse team and have been 2019's class secretary for 3 years.

Meaghan McSkimming Olivia Peruzzi SECRETARY VICE PRESIDENT

Vote for me because I'll be committed and passionate in making our senior year one that's positive, spirited, rewarding and memorable. I'm organized, dependable.

Victoria Simmons SECRETARY/ SENATOR

I'd like to contunue to apply my knowledge and ideas gained from my leadership opportunities to assist in bettering the school and the environment.

I swim for GPN in the fall and I currently swim for Pointe Aquatics. I'm involved as a member of NHS and KNOTS and have been for the past three years.

Hunter Williams SECRETARY/ SENATOR

I carry myself with poise while maintaining to be humble. I'm determined to make a difference throughout school to make our class rise to the greater good.

Christian Eckerman TREASURER/ SENATOR

I am the current class president, in orchestra, cheer, lacrosse and do karate.

To continue to unify the class and obtain a positive structure by making everyone feel like they have a special place at North.

Evie Mourtos TREASURER

WHY ME?

Morgan Semack TREASURER

MY GOALS

Julia Becker SENATOR

ABOUT ME

Ke'Asha Cargill SENATOR

Hope Miller PRESIDENT

CLASS OF 2019

ABOUT ME

Joe Paglino TREASURER/ CALSS OF 2019 SENATOR

STUDENT ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

ELECTIONS

Kamaria Chambers Lauren Jackson VICE PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT/ SENATOR

I am a member of Rocketry Club, Chem Club, an aerospace engineering program at U of M and Detroit Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament.

My goals for the Class of 2020 are to include better ideas for Spirit Week, incorporate more dances throughout the school year, such as a winter formal.

Students of 2020 should vote for me because I will strive to make the last two years of our high school career the most memorable.

Hello Class of 2020.

Currently I am sophomore here at Grosse Pointe North High School, I have been a dedicated varsity cheerleader here.

If I am elected vice president I will work diligently on creating new positive experiences for the student body. I have many ideas that I will begin working on.

Vote for me if you want change, vote for me if you want new ideas.

Vote for me if you want a vice president who will take the position seriously.

During my freshman year, I decided it was time to broaden my typical clubs and run for council. I am part of Interact and I volunteer at the Lake House.

If reelected, I will expand our current successes as a council and establish an environment in which we can host student-involved fundraisers and events.

Sophomores should vote for me as I have experience in being a Student Council officer. This experience allows me to ensure a successful junior year.

ABOUT ME

MY GOALS

WHY ME?

I participate in a great variety of events here at North. I am on the wrestling and tennis teams, Student Council and the Interact Club.

My goals are to raise more than enough money for prom and come up with more entertaining fundraisers for the Class of 2021.

People should vote for me because I will make sure that the Class of 2021 will be able to have many different and fun activities to participate in.

Anthony Morreale PRESIDENT

I am part of Student Council, concert band, baseball and a volunteer Little League coach.

My goals for next year’s Student Council are to incorporate new and more effective fundraisers and represent the everyday needs of my classmates.

Students should vote for me because I will continue to represent the Class of 2021 through dedication, honesty and strong leadership.

Chris Marshall VICE PRESIDENT

I am in Student Council, baseball, a preschool helper at my church, help in the Student Union adm the March Madness teacher bracket.

My goals as Student Council vice president are to get students and people in the community more involved in school activities and raise awareness.

Vote for me because I am an honest team leader and will listen to all points of view.

I stick up for what I believe in and do what’s right.

Ceci Doerr VICE PRESIDENT/ SENATOR

I am in lacrosse, synchronized swimming, WILLOW, Drama Club, Student Association and Student Council.

My goal is to plan successful fundraisers for our class so that we can have phenomenal events like homecoming, prom and more!

I love planning things, taking leadership roles and I will openly listen to others’ ideas. I hope to make Student Council a team that works together.

Caleigh Murray SECRETARY

I am in field hockey, WILLOW and am a new member of the lacrosse team.

My goals for student government are to raise money towards different charities and class events.

I want to do fun things that get the student body more involved.

People should vote for me because I am a very hard worker when it comes to my schoolwork and in other activities.

Imani Crutcher TREASURER

I am in orchestra, Student Association, church choir and youth group, weekly nursing home volunteer and Detroit Civic Youth Orchestra.

I’d like to personally get more involved and to encourage others to do the same. As treasurer, I would come up with effective fundraiser ideas.

You should vote for me because I’m friendly and fun. I’m also creative and I care about details.

As a freshman this year, I proudly represented my class via Student Association.

I am a member of the French Club.

My goals for student government next year are to continue to represent each and every one of my fellow students.

My fellow students should vote for me because I strive to best represent our voice and ideas for the next year. I would be proud to be offered this opportunity.

Gavin Gregorex PRESIDENT

Kiyah Forrest TREASURER

The Class of 2020 should vote for me because I am very dedicated to school and my hobbies. I love helping people out.

Emily Widgren TREASURER/ SENATOR

My goals if elected are to reach out to the Class of 2020 more and get more of their input on things. I hope to also bring new ideas such as Spirit Week.

I am very organized and I am able to stay on top of things which is very important while being treasurer to ensure that there is a system that works.

Sydney Agius SENATOR

Jenna Buckman VICE PRESIDENT

I have been in Student Council since 6th grade, including being vice president during my freshman year here at North. Last year, I remained active.

I want to not only help with the organization of the meetings, but I also want to help keep us on track with our fundraising by bringing fresh and new ideas to the meetings.

I am involved in Drama Club, Student Association, Choir, and Counterpointe.

My goals for student government are to connect everyone and make everyone feel like they have a say in what goes on at GPN.

You should vote for me because I will keep everyone informed of all the recent events.

Jordan Craighead SENATOR

Classmates should vote for me because I have good leadership skills to help make things happen and I am always a part of our school events.

I’m a page editor for North Pointe, I’m in French Club and have been for two years, I helped with homecoming as much as possible and stairwell for both years.

I am co-president of Chem Club, play JV Lacrosse, am a member of the pep band, am business manager of NP; HCIC; symphony band and Pep Assembly Committee.

My goal is to continue what I’ve been doing for the past two years — being a leader and stuff — keep the blood drive going.

Vote for Jordan because of her approachable character. Most of all, vote for Jordan because you know it’s right.

Aaron Hayes SENATOR

My goals for student council are to have a good homecoming by getting more classmates involved in float building. I would like for us to be more involved in service projects.

I would like to make prom as cheap as possible for my class and to reach out to students and make the eight hours we’re here as fun as possible!

I am creative, original, and positive. I am involved in the Spirit Committee and Art Club. Choir is my passion.

I am very dedicated to making GPN a great school. I have fresh ideas to help all students feel valued and respected. I am ready for great changes, are you?

I am self-driven with solid work ethics. I am punctual, kind and an ambitious leader ready to get involved.

Clare Loch SENATOR

Sydney Brumme VICE PRESIDENT/ SENATOR

I am involved in Student Association, the JV volleyball team, the varsity softball team and volunteer at Ferry Elementary.

As treasurer, I will do everything I can to make those things happen.

I am fully prepared to make my class as much money as possible by doing more fundraisers.

I am active in the performing arts: Choir, the spring musicals, fall plays and One Acts. I am obsessed with makeup and a summer camp counselor at Camp Daggett.

I want this school to be a more inclusive place. Everyone should feel like they have a voice at this school and I’m going to work my hardest to make the school year more enjoyable.

If you vote for me for senator, I will be your advocate. I will listen to what you have to say and I will work hard to make this school a better place for everybody.

Mariah Loper SENATOR

People should vote for me because I will put all of my time and effort into making the Class of 2020 the best it can be.

I have attended Grosse Pointe North long enough to know what students, particularly those in my class, want and need.

I am in Pep Band, North Pointe/Yearbook, Student Association, church student leader, Pep Assembly Committee, church missions and Girl ScoutsLIA volunteer work.

As a council member I would like to keep the momentum going for fundraisers as we start saving up for our prom and to have money for our homecoming festivities.

The Class of 2020 should vote for me because I am experienced in leadership and have been for a long time. I have been through Student Council and I know what works.

ABOUT ME

MY GOALS

WHY ME?

My goal is making everyone’s voice heard.

Vote for me because I like to make everyone’s voice heard and I believe that I can be a great leader.

Next year I would like to work towards more school participation in events like Charity Week and Adopt-aFamily.

If you vote for me I promise to be a committed member of the student government and to work towards filling the year with new and exciting events.

My goal for next year is to organize a fashion Vote for me because show for elementary I work hard and get students to walk in and work done efficiently. to get more of the Class of 2021 involved.

CLASS OF 2021 Ashley Sexton TREASURER/ SENATOR

My goals for the year are to get the whole class involved with as much as possible so it can be the best it can possibly be.

WHY ME?

I have been involved in Interim Council and planning of homecoming activities.

Caroline Stafford SENATOR

Claire Yee PRESIDENT/ SENATOR

I am involved in varsity gymnastics, cross country, Student Association, in all Homecoming activities, an 8th grade mentor, and participate in school fundraisers.

MY GOALS

This past year I have participated in North’s choir, orchestra, swim team, synchronized swim team and Student Association.

Emily McCloskey SENATOR

I’ve been a member of council for 2 years and have a good understanding of the changes I want to see made to help better our class and school.

ABOUT ME

I am a freshman senator, in varsity synchronized swimming and JV softball.

Sarah Shanley SENATOR

I want the council to be more organized and meet more consistently, and include students from outside of council so we have more opinions and ideas.

CLASS OF 2020

Next year, I want the I compete for the North senate to focus on prodive team, I was on moting school safety. interim council and For example staff worked on the freshdefense training, social man spirit week. awareness, weapon safety and drug abuse.

You should vote for me because I’m not biased and will thoroughly consider all ideas. I have lots of integrity, I’m fair and respectful.

Michael Hartt SENATOR

Elizabeth Ballinger PRESIDENT

I am a part of symphony and chamber orchestra, French Club, North Pointe, church youth group and volunteering with the Junior League of Detroit.

CLASS OF 2021

WHY ME?

I currently participate in ten school-sanctioned, extra-curricular activities.

I play three sports and I have completed over 150 hours of community service this year alone.

My goals for student government are to continue to innovate existing operations and to create new fundraising ideas for Student Association.

People should vote for me because I have continued to work tirelessly to assure that I serve the students who voted me into office.

Keelin McCarthy SENATOR

MY GOALS

Rory Angott SECRETARY/ SENATOR

ABOUT ME

John Tsilimingras TREASURER/ SENATOR

CLASS OF 2020

North Pointe – Wednesday, April 18, 2018 – 7

I was involved in the Wiz, helped at my church, tennis and field hockey, science fair at Monteith, and helped many teachers at Parcells.

I hope to continue to fight for rights that us students deserve. We all deserve to be safe in schools and to never want to miss school because we are scared.

I’m not going to be nervous to fight for what we deserve. I want our school to be better and want to be known as making an ample difference.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Responses are edited only for length and AP style and are not endorsements. The maximum length was 30 words per question. Election results will be posted on NorthPointeNow.org as they are released.

SPORTS

8 – Wednesday, April 18, 2018 – North Pointe

Braving the cold

Spring athletes face issues with breathing and sickness during early season practices

By Sofia Ketels & Cheryl Knorp WEB EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & INTERN

SOFIA KETELS

UPCOMING GAMES

When sophomore Lyndsay Kluge did her time trials for this year’s spring season of track, she ran in frigid, 30 degree weather.

She said this weather is not only a nuisance to start the track season with, but also a large contributor to issues with breathing and sickness she and her team struggle with during the beginning of their long distance running.

“It’s hard to breathe out there,” Kluge said. “(The cold weather) messes my breathing up and I know it messes everyone else’s breathing up, especially since we’re being pushed so hard so soon.”

According to Kluge, she and around half of the other girls who run long distance have gotten sick so far this season. Student athletes who run long distance do the vast majority of their running outdoors, and Kluge said that she believes it has an impact on her ability to perform.

“I feel like when I run, I run better when it’s more 50 or 60 (degrees),” Kluge said. “We’ve been running (in) like 30, 40 (degree) weather and I feel like I’m not performing my best. I feel like I’m just trying to get it over with instead of really enjoying it.”

However according to research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, cold weather alone can’t make people sick, but it can weaken the immune system to the point where people can more easily contract viruses such as the common cold. Additional research from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America showed that rhinovirus, or the common cold, replicates itself more quickly in colder temperatures.

Girls soccer coach Eric Vanston believes that practicing in above freezing temperatures is perfectly safe, as long as athletes take the proper precautions.

According to NYU Langone, cold weather causes muscles to tighten slightly more than usual, which can lead to an increase of sports related injuries, such as tearing or straining muscles, when practicing in the cold.

However, Vanston said that a good warm up can help prevent those types of injuries. At girls soccer practice, athletes will typically warm up with jogging, stretching and passing before they begin the more intense parts of practice. “(The cold is) frustrating and incredibly annoying, but that’s not a point where it’s dangerous at all,” Vanston said. “So, we just make sure we take the proper precautions and get a good warm up in and then we’re ready to go.”

Junior Ben Sheehy is a member of archery club, and said that while the windy weather can be a bit difficult for the team at times, members typically just bundle up and continue on with practice.

The archery club practices in front of the school near the soccer field, and Sheehy’s only grievance with the weather is the wind that sometimes interferes with their target shooting. He believes that for the archery team, the wind has more of an impact on performance than the possibility of getting sick or injured during practice.

“No one that I know of has gotten sick from being outside while practicing, but it probably gives them a greater chance to catch something,” Sheehy said.

To combat getting sick while spending long hours practicing in the cold, Kluge strongly suggests that all student athletes practicing outdoors dress warm and bring cough drops.

“I just feel that people need to wear the right stuff and cover their throats try and breathe through your nose as much as you can, which I struggle with,” Kluge said.

“It’s just it’s an individual (thing), you got to figure out what works for you.”

Meet the coaches Get to know some of the spring coaches

By Hannah Zalewski & Jordan Craighead

GIRLS VARSITY TENNIS Match against Allen Park High School on Wednesday, April 18 at 4 p.m. at home

PAGE EDITOR & BUSINESS MANAGER

Varsity girls tennis coach John Van Alst

What do you like about tennis?

The game of tennis is a physical and mental challenge.

It is a direct one-to-one challenge of your skills, conditioning, mental preparedness and desire to win compared to your opponents. The player who is able to put the whole package together better on that day wins.

VARSITY BASEBALL Away game against Romeo High School on Thursday, April 19 at 4 p.m.

BOYS TRACK Meet on Tuesday, April 24 at 4 p.m. at Romeo High School GIRLS VARSITY LACROSSE Home game against Detroit Country Day on Friday, April 27 at 4:30 p.m.

GIRLS VARSITY TENNIS Match against Liggett on Saturday, April 28 at 8 a.m.

RT PA LI

When did you become the coach of the boy’s track team?

I started with the North boy’s track team in 2013 as an assistant coach, and became the head coach last year (the 2017 season).

What do you like about track/ what attracted you to the sport?

I like track for a lot of reasons. I think it pushes everyone to do their best. Anyone who does track obviously competes against other teams but they also compete against each other — which is fun — and against themselves to earn personal bests. I love the three-layered competitive approach.

Varsity girls lacrosse coach Lauren Nixon

C LI

BOYS JV BASEBALL Home game on Monday, April 30 against L’Anse Creuse at 4:30 p.m.

How long do you see yourself coaching this sport?

The past six seasons have gone by quickly. I can’t imagine a time when I won’t be coaching.

C

BOYS VARSITY GOLF L’Anse Creuse Invitational on Monday, April 23 at 9 a.m. against L’Anse Creuse High School

ZO

N

E

What do you like about coaching tennis?

I love to see the breakthrough improvements that new players have when they understand, apply and use the tips provided to them. Their eyes light up and are usually accompanied by a huge smile.

Seeing older players returning to the sport after they

have left high school. North alumni come and check out the new courts, say hi, see the team and then they start to play tennis again.

Tennis is a sport of a lifetime. It’s not just a young person’s sport. People play tennis into their 80s. I love to see these players on the court. They can’t wait to tell me about their grandkids who played at North or are playing at North.

What do you like about coaching track?

It’s fun to see students in a different light, outside of the classroom. I feel like I get to know my guys’ personalities better on the track than I do in a classroom. I enjoy watching them work hard to accomplish their goals.

Boys track coach Sean McCarroll CL

R I PA

TZ

ON

E

How long do you see yourself coaching this sport?

Who knows? As long as I’m having fun, I can see myself doing this for a while.

PA

Why do you like lacrosse?

I like lacrosse because I fell in love with it when I was a freshman. It was a unique sport that was not quite popular yet. I grew up playing soccer most of my life and I think I was just eager to play something new.

North. The position was open and I’d always loved the sport. It was a natural fit between teaching and coaching. I also liked the fact that it keeps me outside, so there are some days I go home, eat and it’s cold out, so I’ll stay inside. Coaching gets me outside which is nice.

How did you decide to start coaching lacrosse?

Well I had always coached othear sports. I coached swimming for three plus years, I used to give — I wouldn’t say private lessons — but I used to work with students in other sports. I just always had this knack for sharing things that I know about and spreading that information and teaching others. It just felt like a natural fit after coaching swimming to come back here to

How has this year been different that previous years?

This year has been different because I finally have some years under my belt. I kind of know the ins and outs of being a head coach. As a first year coach I didn’t really know what to expect in terms of coaching. Being the head of the program and things like paperwork was expected of me. Now that I have that experience, I am able to focus more on the actual coaching.

RT ZO N E